Common names: greenbrier, catbrier, bullbrier, saw greenbriar

Scientific names: Smilax bona-nox

Seasons of significant use: fall, winter (for Smilax spp. complex)

Characteristics: Native, perennial, somewhat woody vine. Stems are from underground tubers, straggling to climbing by tendrils, to 25.0 feet, often 4-angles by not necessarily throughout, set with spines; spines stout, at nodes, often paired at nodes, at internodes, often more numerous toward base; leaves tardily deciduous, alternate, simple, net veined, sometimes white blotched, margin often set with prickles, variable in shape; plants are dioecious; inflorescences are staminate and pistillate umbels, axillary; fruit is a spherical berry, 1-seeded, black, persistent and somewhat juicy long into winter, maturing September-October. Flowers February-June.

Plant community type: Open and wooded areas. Both uplands and bottomlands. Often found along fencerows, etc.

Comments: In our region, it is usually possible to find some green plant parts throughout the year, especially stems and to a lesser extent leaves.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family